Travel Discovery

Day Trips from Memphis, TN: Exploring the Roots of Blues & Southern Charm

Destination: Memphis, Tennessee

    1. Day Trip to Oxford, Mississippi
    2. Overview: A haven for literature enthusiasts and foodies alike, Oxford is renowned for its literary legacy tied to William Faulkner's Rowan Oak and its vibrant downtown square filled with boutique shops and award-winning restaurants. Visit Square Books, a local institution, before indulging in some of the South's finest cuisine at City Grocery.
    3. Duration: Full Day

    4. Must Eat: Southern BBQ at The Rib Cage

    5. Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Little Rock, Arkansas

    6. Overview: Journey to Little Rock to stand where history was made at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, where the desegregation crisis of 1957 took place. The Clinton Presidential Library adds a modern touch to your historical tour, offering insights into recent political history.
    7. Start Time: 09:00 AM
    8. End Time: 06:00 PM
    9. Duration: 9 hours

    10. Must See: Arkansas State Capitol Building

    11. Nashville's Country Music Adventure

    12. Overview: Known as Music City, Nashville is a mere few hours' drive east of Memphis. Start at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, followed by a stroll down Honky Tonk Row on Broadway for live music and authentic southern eats. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
    13. Duration: Full Day

    14. Must Experience: Live music at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

    15. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    16. Overview: For a nature-filled escape, head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Hike to waterfalls, picnic amidst ancient forests, and perhaps catch a glimpse of wildlife like black bears and elk. Cades Cove Loop is a popular scenic drive that offers a glimpse into pioneer life.
    17. Start Time: Early morning (recommended due to park popularity)
    18. End Time: Late afternoon
    19. Duration: 10-12 hours (including travel time)

    20. Highlight: Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

    21. Historic Helena, Arkansas

    22. Overview: Step back in time in Helena, a town deeply rooted in blues history and Civil War significance. Visit the Delta Cultural Center to understand the region's musical heritage, then wander through the Helena River Park, which offers views of the Mississippi River and hosts the famous King Biscuit Blues Festival.
    23. Duration: Half Day
    24. Recommended Stop: Blues Trail Marker Tour